Council straw polls would enact affordable housing incentives this year with a delayed start; briefed on nonprofit grants, ARPA business grants and UTA budget
November 14, 2023, 3:45 p.m.
In straw polls, the Council supported enacting the affordable housing incentives before year's end with applications delayed to April 30, 2024 while staff drafts a separate Title 18 ordinance on neighbor property damage. Members also reviewed allocation scenarios for $2 million in nonprofit direct assistance grants, a recommended $2 million round of ARPA business grants, a church-to-school rezone and the Utah Transit Authority's 2024 budget. Council Member Victoria Petro was absent.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
Staff announced Arts, Culture and Events fund applications through Dec. 1 and a Nov. 17 resource fair at Library Square. Andrew Johnston described winter shelter options, Code Blue information and a temporary micro-shelter community. Members asked how a service provider was selected, when the MVP shelter would open, whether winter beds would be enough, and how the city communicates its homelessness work. Council Member Ana Valdemoros reminded the public of needs for clothing and food donations.
Item 2 · City code
Affordable housing incentives (follow-up with straw polls)
Discussed
Members discussed approving the ordinance contingent on language about what could be done if a neighbor or contractor damages adjacent property, whether Title 18 of the code already addresses property damage, and the city's role in such claims. Three straw polls were supported by all members present: enact the incentives before year's end with implementation and applications delayed until April 30, 2024 while staff develops a separate ordinance addressing Title 18; require a framework for enforcement and reporting on how staff will manage the ordinance by that deadline; and remove subsection "E" on the number of units that can be designated affordable from Section 21A.52.050.H.3.e.
- Straw polls: all members present in favor of each
Item 3 · Zoning
Rezone and master plan amendment at 711 and 721 South 1200 East
Discussed
Jim Brewer, head of the McGillis School, asked to rezone the properties from R-2 to I (Institutional) and amend the Central Community plan so the existing church building can be used as a school. He cited the school's need for space for more students and the history of using the ward building; no drop-off or pickup would occur on the property, and the community sent multiple letters of support. Members and staff discussed whether churches are allowed in the R-2 zone.
- Applicant: Jim Brewer, McGillis School
- Current zone → proposed: R-2 → I (Institutional)
- Council District 4
Item 4 · Budget
Local nonprofit direct assistance grant awards (follow-up)
Discussed
Staff described applications withdrawn because other funding was received, applications with suggested reductions, and three allocation scenarios for the $2 million. Two straw polls were taken: five members (Valdemoros, Mano, Dugan, Young, Wharton) supported reducing the applications identified in the report and using the resulting $301,000, with Council Member Alejandro Puy not supporting it; all members present supported Scenario 3 as proposed.
- Grant$2.00 million to Local nonprofits
Item 5 · Budget
Local business direct assistance ARPA grant awards
Discussed
Staff asked the Council to approve $2 million for 15 recommended applicants in phase 2 of the program, which drew 94 eligible small business applicants. Members discussed the number of applicants not recommended, reapplicants and a contingency plan for unused funds, and expressed support for the proposal.
- Grant$2.00 million to 15 recommended small businesses
Item 6 · Budget
Utah Transit Authority 2024 tentative budget
Discussed
UTA executives presented a tentative 2024 budget of $424 million in operating expenses and $230 million in capital investment, including added FrontRunner service, operator recruitment, transit ambassadors on TRAX and electric vehicle investments. Council members asked for more service in high-use areas and on the west side, 24/7 airport bus service, revenue options to extend hours, expansion of the free-fare zone, flex service and ridership percentages in future budget presentations.
- Budget$424.0 million to Utah Transit Authority
- Budget$230.0 million to Utah Transit Authority
Item 7 · Contract
Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund: $90,000 loan to Ocean City Seafood Market
No action
The Council received a written briefing on an ordinance approving a $90,000 loan from the Economic Development Loan Fund to Ocean City Seafood Market, a grocer of Asian and international foods and seafood, to create one new job in the next year and retain three. No discussion was held.
- Contract$90,000 to Ocean City Seafood Market
Item 8-9 · Appointment
Board appointment interviews
Discussed
The Council interviewed Robyn Taylor-Granda (City and County Building Conservation and Use Committee) and Landon Kraczek (Planning Commission). Council Member Darin Mano said both would be on the consent agenda.
Item 12 · Other
Closed sessions
Approved · 6-0
The Council voted 6-0 to exit a closed session that ran from 5:30 to 7:20 p.m. in the mayor's conference room and by Zoom, and 6-0 to enter a closed session as the RDA Board and City Council to discuss purchase, exchange or lease of real property and attorney-client matters. Council Member Petro was absent.
What residents said
Winter shelter capacityProperty damage from neighboring construction